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Edmunds County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#21 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
62.8
County Score
Safety 93.8Disaster Risk 93.1Income & Jobs 80.4

County Report Card

About Edmunds County, South Dakota

Edmunds County Earns High National Marks

Edmunds County's composite score of 62.8 is well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of livability across several key data dimensions.

Surpassing the South Dakota Average

The county performs better than the state average of 55.9. It stands out for its balance of economic prosperity and environmental safety compared to other South Dakota counties.

Safe Communities and Economic Strength

Safety is a primary asset with a score of 93.8, paired with a resilient risk score of 93.1. The local economy is strong, reflected in an income score of 80.4 and a healthy median household income of $77,266.

Moderate Schools and Water Quality Needs

School performance is a moderate concern with a score of 41.0. Water quality also trails behind other dimensions, scoring 38.8 and suggesting a need for infrastructure focus.

Ideal for Financially Secure Individuals

Edmunds County suits those looking for a safe, high-earning environment with low natural disaster risk. It is a solid choice for professionals who can overlook average school rankings in exchange for security.

Score breakdown

Tax47.9Cost45.9Safety93.8Health75.8Schools41Income80.4Risk93.1Water38.8Weather41.5
🏛47.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Faulk County
South Dakota
68.8
McPherson County
South Dakota
60.5
Walworth County
South Dakota
50.6
McIntosh County
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Brown County
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Potter County
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Spink County
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Campbell County
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Deep Dives

Edmunds County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Edmunds County

via TaxByCounty

Edmunds taxes below most U.S. counties

Edmunds County's effective tax rate of 0.866% sits marginally above the U.S. median of 0.84%, placing it slightly above the middle nationally. The median annual tax of $1,417 is nearly 50% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below South Dakota average

Edmunds County's 0.866% effective rate is marginally below South Dakota's 1.094% state average, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties. The median tax bill of $1,417 is lower than South Dakota's median of $1,785.

Among the lowest-taxed counties regionally

Edmunds County (0.866%) ranks with Deuel County (0.820%) as among the lowest-taxed counties in the regional group, both undercutting Day, Davison, and Dewey. The $1,417 median tax is very competitive for the area.

Median home: $1,417 yearly in taxes

An Edmunds County homeowner with the median property value of $163,600 pays approximately $1,417 per year in property taxes at the 0.866% rate. That's roughly $118 monthly—one of the more affordable arrangements in this region.

Even low-tax counties can have overassessments

Edmunds County's favorable tax rate doesn't guarantee your home is assessed correctly; errors exist at every tax level. Review your assessed value against comparable recent sales, and file an appeal if overvaluation is evident.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Edmunds County

via CostByCounty

Edmunds stays near national affordability benchmarks

Edmunds County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly level with South Dakota's 13.8% state average and matches national affordability norms. The $881 median monthly rent is the second-highest in this analysis, but the $77,266 median household income keeps the overall burden proportionally balanced.

Edmunds ranks at South Dakota's affordability center

At 13.7%, Edmunds County's rent-to-income ratio matches South Dakota's state average almost exactly at 13.8%, positioning it as a middle-ground option among the state's housing markets. This consistency suggests Edmunds follows typical state patterns for cost and income.

Edmunds balances higher rents with solid income

Edmunds County's $881 rent is surpassed only by Douglas ($864 is lower actually—but Edmunds at $881 is highest), making it the rental premium of this cohort, yet the $77,266 median income keeps the rent-to-income ratio at a reasonable 13.7%. Douglas County offers lower rent with higher income, a more favorable comparison.

Edmunds residents balance high rents with strong income

Renters dedicate $881 monthly while homeowners invest $853 in ownership costs, with median home values at $163,600. Housing consumes 13.7% of household income, close to state averages and leaving reasonable resources for other priorities.

Edmunds offers solid middle-ground affordability

Edmunds County suits relocators seeking balanced housing costs without seeking the absolute cheapest option—you'll pay more rent but earn competitively. Compare to Deuel for better affordability or Douglas for similar income with slightly lower rents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Edmunds County

via IncomeByCounty

Edmunds County exceeds US income average

Edmunds County's median household income of $77,266 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $2,511, placing it in the upper income tier nationally. This strong performance for a rural county reflects a stable, diversified employment base and above-average earning opportunities.

Edmunds ranks among South Dakota's strongest

At $77,266, Edmunds County substantially outpaces South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by more than $10,000, ranking it in the state's upper quartile. The county's per capita income of $43,546 notably exceeds the state average of $35,667, indicating strong individual earning power across the population.

Edmunds competes with regional income leaders

Edmunds County's $77,266 median household income ranks second among comparable counties, trailing only Deuel ($79,556) and matching Douglas ($78,125) in earning power. The county outearns all other regional peers by substantial margins, establishing it as an economic stronghold.

Excellent affordability creates wealth opportunity

Edmunds County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% remains well below the 30% affordability threshold, freeing up household resources for long-term savings. The median home value of $163,600 aligns well with median-income earning capacity, supporting sustainable homeownership and equity building.

Edmunds County positioned for financial growth

Edmunds County households combine above-average incomes with notably high per capita earnings, creating ideal conditions for aggressive wealth building through diversified investments. Prioritize maxing retirement contributions, establishing investment accounts, and considering real estate or business ventures to leverage the county's strong economic fundamentals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Edmunds County

via CrimeByCounty

Edmunds County National Safety Profile

Edmunds County boasts a safety score of 99.9, placing it well above the national average. Its total crime rate of 49.8 per 100K is roughly 2% of the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming State Averages Consistently

With a crime rate far below the state average of 788.1, Edmunds is a leader in South Dakota safety. It consistently outperforms the state's average safety score of 98.8.

A High Standard of Security

Like nearby Dewey and Faulk counties, Edmunds maintains an incredibly low incident profile. These rural communities collectively represent one of the safest corridors in the entire region.

Minimal Violent Crime, Zero Theft

Violent crime is the only reported category at 49.8 per 100K, while property crime is non-existent at 0.0. This suggests that residents face almost no risk from theft or burglary.

Protecting the Edmunds Community

Zero property crime is a testament to the county's security. Keeping entryways locked and staying informed about local activity helps maintain this high standard.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Edmunds County

via HealthByCounty

Edmunds County residents live longer

Edmunds County's 79.1-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 73 years by 6.1 years, placing residents among America's healthier communities. With 13.9% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national average of roughly 18%—the county demonstrates strong wellness fundamentals.

Well above South Dakota's health average

At 79.1 years, Edmunds County's life expectancy tops South Dakota's state average of 75.4 years by 3.7 years. The county ranks among the state's healthiest and demonstrates solid healthcare delivery across its communities.

Edmunds holds strong regional standing

Edmunds's 79.1-year life expectancy places it among the highest in this county group, exceeded only by Douglas (80.9) and Deuel (79.2). The county's 50 primary care providers per 100K offer better access than Day County (37) or Deuel County (23), supporting preventive care and chronic disease management.

Lowest uninsured rate in the group

Edmunds County's 9.5% uninsured rate is among the lowest in this analysis and well below South Dakota's 11.1% average, indicating robust health insurance coverage. Data on mental health providers is limited, but the county's 50 primary care doctors per 100K provide strong frontline care capacity.

Keep coverage strong year-round

Edmunds's low uninsured rate is a community asset—maintain it by reviewing your insurance annually at healthcare.gov. Contact your health department if you're uninsured or underinsured; local resources can help you find plans that fit your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Edmunds County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Rural School Infrastructure

Edmunds County manages 14 public schools, featuring a heavy emphasis on elementary education with seven primary campuses. Three districts serve a total county enrollment of 710 students.

Strong Scores and Above-Average Investment

The county's graduation rate is 85.0%, and its composite school score of 52.5 exceeds the state average. Per-pupil spending reaches $7,739, which is higher than the South Dakota average of $7,409.

Ipswich Public Leads Three Districts

Ipswich Public School District 22-6 is the largest provider, overseeing six schools and 457 students. The county contains no charter schools, relying entirely on its three traditional public districts.

Uniformly Rural and Personal

Every school in the county is classified as rural, with an average size of only 51 students. Ipswich Elementary is the largest at 185 students, while several smaller schools like Bowdle Elementary serve 46 students or fewer.

Find Your Place in Edmunds County

Edmunds County offers a high density of schools and above-average academic results. Search for homes in the Ipswich area to give your children the benefit of high-investment rural education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Edmunds County

via RiskByCounty

Edmunds County among nation's safest

Edmunds County's composite risk score of 6.97 falls far below South Dakota's 26.84 state average, ranking it among America's lowest-risk counties. This "Very Low" rating reflects exceptional protection from major natural hazards.

Second-safest county in South Dakota

Edmunds County ranks second-lowest among South Dakota's 66 counties for natural disaster risk, with its 6.97 composite score surpassed only by Deuel County (6.87). Few South Dakota residents live in counties with comparable hazard protection.

Exceptionally safe in north-central region

Edmunds County's 6.97 risk score makes it one of the safest counties in north-central South Dakota, significantly outperforming Faulk County (7.95) to the south and Day County (27.64) to the east. Only Deuel County matches its low-risk profile.

Wildfire only notable exposure

Wildfire risk at 69.18 is Edmunds County's sole hazard of concern, though still moderate compared to western counties. All other risks—tornado (23.12), flood (8.02), and earthquake (11.61)—fall substantially below state and national averages.

Minimal insurance beyond basics needed

Edmunds County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance provides robust protection without specialized additions. Maintain basic property maintenance and wildfire-resistant landscaping rather than pursuing premium disaster coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Edmunds County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Dry Continental Climate

Edmunds County reports an annual average of 43.2°F, placing it firmly in the cooler tier of the United States. Its continental climate is marked by sharp seasonal contrasts and moderate precipitation.

Below the State Average

At 2.4 degrees below the South Dakota average of 45.6°F, Edmunds is among the cooler counties in the northern plains. This lower average is driven primarily by long, cold winter nights.

Moderate Snow and Average Rain

The county receives 20.8 inches of precipitation, which is slightly lower than the state average of 22.7 inches. Despite this, it still manages 40.4 inches of snow annually, which is typical for the region.

Manageable Summers, Harsh Winters

Summers are manageable with 14 days of 90-degree heat and a July average of 71.2°F. Winters are the defining season, with January temperatures averaging a chilly 12.8°F.

Focus on Home and Vehicle Prep

Reliable heating systems and vehicle winterization are essential for the sub-20°F winter average. Summer planning is simpler, as the moderate heat requires less intensive cooling than southern counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Edmunds County

via SoilByCounty

Standard Alkaline Plains Profile

Edmunds County has an average pH of 7.11, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 7.05. This puts it well above the national median pH of 6.5, influencing which micronutrients are most available to plants. Taxonomic details for the county are currently not documented.

Consistent Silt-Loam Texture

The soil is comprised of 32.6% sand, 44.1% silt, and 23.3% clay. This mixture represents a classic prairie soil that balances drainage with the ability to hold onto water. It provides a stable foundation for both row crops and native grasslands.

High Organic Matter and Capacity

With an organic matter content of 3.93%, Edmunds County outperforms the state average of 3.75%. Its available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is also notably higher than the state average of 0.182 in/in. These metrics indicate a very healthy and productive soil system.

Managing Water in Silty Soil

Though specific hydrologic groups are missing, the high available water capacity suggests the soil manages moisture efficiently. The 44.1% silt content means the soil likely absorbs rain steadily without immediate runoff. Local growers should watch for seasonal saturation in low-lying areas.

Excellent Productivity in Zone 4b

Zone 4b gardeners in Edmunds County benefit from a high soil score of 68.0, which is well above the state average. This fertile ground is perfect for cold-tolerant vegetables and vigorous cereal crops. It is an ideal environment to establish a highly productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Edmunds County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Lawn Care in Edmunds

Edmunds County features a lawn difficulty score of 56.0, indicating it is easier to maintain than both the state and national averages. This Zone 4b county offers a balanced environment for traditional northern lawns.

Cooler Summers Lower Water Needs

With only 14 extreme heat days, Edmunds County stays much cooler than the state average of 24 days. This reduction in heat stress helps compensate for the lower annual precipitation of 20.8 inches.

Sandy Loam for Better Aeration

The soil contains 32.6% sand and 23.3% clay, creating a texture that allows for decent root respiration. The pH is stable at 7.11, so while specific drainage data isn't listed, your lawn will likely thrive with standard fertilization.

Current Conditions Favor Growth

There is currently no drought in the county, and residents only faced 12 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. This makes for a perfect environment to maintain a consistent mowing and fertilization schedule without moisture stress.

Timing the May Frost

Seed your lawn with a cool-season mix after the May 8 frost to take advantage of the 2,382 growing degree days. Ensure your lawn is well-established by early October when the first fall frost typically occurs.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Edmunds County's county score?
Edmunds County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 62.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Edmunds County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Edmunds County ranks #21 among all counties in South Dakota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Edmunds County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Edmunds County is $1,417, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Edmunds County a tax score of 47.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Edmunds County?
The median household income in Edmunds County, South Dakota is $77,266 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Edmunds County earns an income score of 80.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Edmunds County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Edmunds County scores 62.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Edmunds County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Edmunds County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.